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hibernation

Winter Butterflies

Where do butterflies go in the winter?

Some species hibernate as butterflies, while other survive the winter as eggs (ova), larvae (caterpillars) or chrysalis (pupae). Species that are known to hibernate in the UK are: Peacock, Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral.

Butterflies can hibernate in sheds, buildings, small structures such as bird boxes. Naturally they use hollows in trees, caves, rock crevices in stone walls getting them out of the cold for a few months.